The German Federal Ministry of the Interior is urgently calling upon the Bundestag to swiftly adopt planned legislation designed to bolster the protection of critical infrastructure, citing escalating concerns over potential sabotage. A ministry spokesperson, speaking to “Handelsblatt”, stated that the current geopolitical climate and heightened threat landscape necessitate expedited passage of the proposed “Critical Infrastructure Protection Act” (Kritis-Dachgesetz), emphasizing that infrastructure is already subject to an “abstract danger”. The call for swift action underscores the importance of enhanced resilience given the precarious international situation.
While acknowledging that operators of critical infrastructure are not presently operating without regulatory oversight – existing laws govern both digital and physical security and the Federal Constitutional Protection Agency routinely shares intelligence on threats ranging from espionage to extremism – the conservative CDU/CSU parliamentary group supports accelerated legislative proceedings. Alexander Throm, the group’s interior policy spokesperson, conceded that current regulations are in place but stressed the need for further fortification. He highlighted the proposed Kritis-Dachgesetz’s “all-hazard” approach, asserting its approval is “more urgent than ever”. Throm urged all involved – parliamentary committees and state governments – to collaborate effectively and swiftly.
The call for expedited action is amplified by the opposition Green party. Marcel Emmerich, the Green party’s interior policy spokesperson, directly referenced the recent power outage in Berlin as a stark demonstration of the urgency for a comprehensive security overhaul. He warned of the “devastating consequences” that could arise from attacks targeting energy infrastructure, underscoring the imperative to address existing security vulnerabilities without further delay. The incident has fueled debate over Germany’s preparedness and the adequacy of current protective measures, placing increased political pressure on lawmakers to deliver tangible results. Observers suggest the debate is not simply about technical security protocols but also reflects a deeper discussion regarding the balance between security, civil liberties and government oversight in an increasingly volatile global environment.